Baton system

ABSTRACT

A baton system for providing a baton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject. The baton system includes an elongate handle and an elongate engaging member extending from the handle. The handle and engaging member are preferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion includes an interior cavity toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight. The weight is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material such as lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handle preferably includes a plurality of radial grooves within creating a plurality of radial ridges for increasing the gripping by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to baton devices and morespecifically it relates to a baton system that is easier to controlwhile providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Conventional baton devices have been in use for years.Conventional baton devices are commonly utilized by law enforcementpersonnel such as police for self-defense and criminal apprehension. Aconventional baton device is typically constructed of a rigid,one-piece, elongate structure of a solid cross section and having asmooth outer surface. Conventional batons may be comprised of solidsteel, plastic, or wood. Gripping covers made of foam or rubber areavailable for attachment about the handle of the baton to increase thegripping of the baton during usage.

[0005] The main problem with conventional baton devices is that they areeasily damaged or broken when utilized. A broken baton provides reducedprotection for law enforcement. Another problem with conventional batonsis that they are difficult for a person to grasp within their hand andcan be accidentally removed from the person's hand. A further problemwith conventional batons is that they are prone to “rebounding” afterengaging an object making the batons difficult to operate and control.Also, some batons constructed of flexible materials are prone to bendingwhen engaging an object.

[0006] Examples of patented baton related devices which are illustrativeof such prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,839,967 to Moe; 6,135,888 toHindi; 5,568,922 to Siddle; 5,320,348 to Starrett; 4,667,958 to Raitto;5,295,687 to Bedard; 5,160,140 to Starrett; 4,687,131 to von Braunhut.

[0007] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose towhich they address, they are not as suitable for use by individuals forself-defense and criminal apprehension. Conventional batons are easilybroken or damaged over time and are difficult to utilize.

[0008] In these respects, the baton system according to the presentinvention substantially departs from the conventional concepts anddesigns of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatusprimarily developed for the purpose of providing a baton that is easierto control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the knowntypes of baton devices now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new baton system construction wherein the same canbe utilized for providing a baton that is easier to control whileproviding a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new batonsystem that has many of the advantages of the baton devices mentionedheretofore and many novel features that result in a new baton systemwhich is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even impliedby any of the prior art baton devices, either alone or in anycombination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises anelongate handle and an elongate engaging member extending from thehandle. The handle and engaging member are preferably constructed ofnylon. The engaging portion includes an interior cavity toward a distalportion thereof filled with a weight. The weight is preferably comprisedof a fluid particulate material such as lead to reduce bouncing whenengaging a subject or object. The handle preferably includes a pluralityof radial grooves within creating a plurality of radial ridges forincreasing the gripping by a user.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a batonsystem that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide a baton system for providing abaton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impactforce upon a subject.

[0016] Another object is to provide a baton system that is not easilybroken or damaged over extended periods of time of usage.

[0017] An additional object is to provide a baton system that is easy tograsp and maintain control of.

[0018] A further object is to provide a baton system that does notbounce or rebound when engaging an object.

[0019] Another object is to provide a baton system that is capable ofinducing a fluid shock wave within a subject.

[0020] Another object is to provide a baton system that has a weightfilled end to provide a commanding impact force without dramaticallyincreasing the overall weight of the baton.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, thisinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawingsare illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of thepresent invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0024]FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the present invention showing theweight within the baton.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2illustrating the interior cavity and weight material within the engagingportion.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of the present invention being heldin a vertical manner.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of the present invention being swungshowing the weight material positioned near the end of the baton.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similarreference characters denote similar elements throughout the severalviews, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate a baton system 10, which comprisesan elongate handle 30 and an elongate engaging member 20 extending fromthe handle 30. The handle 30 and engaging member 20 are preferablyconstructed of nylon. The engaging portion includes an interior cavity22 toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight 50. The weight50 is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material such as leadto reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handle 30preferably includes a plurality of radial grooves 32 within creating aplurality of radial ridges 34 for increasing the gripping by a user.

[0032] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the handle30 and the engaging member 20 form an elongate structure having variouslengths between 1-4 feet. As shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, theengaging member 20 and the handle 30 are preferably constructed of asingle solid structure with the engaging member 20 extending from thehandle 30. The handle 30 and the engaging member 20 are preferablyconstructed of a nylon material for reducing flexing and breakage duringusage.

[0033] A desirable material for constructing the handle 30 and theengaging member 20 is manufactured under the name NYLATRON by DSMENGINEERING PLASTIC PRODUCTS. NYLATRON is comprised of conventionalnylon filled with molybdenum disulphide to improve its strength andrigidity. NYLATRON provides increased heat resistance, tensile strengthand flexural strength compared to conventional nylon.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the handle 30includes a rounded end portion 36 with a plurality of grooves 32radially turned into the handle 30 forming a plurality of radial ridges34. The handle 30 is an elongate solid structure as shown in FIGS. 1, 2,3, 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings. The radial ridges 34 preferably have awidth less than the width of the grooves 32 as best illustrated in FIGS.2 and 3 of the drawings. The grooves 32 preferably have a concave crosssection for providing an orthogonal upper portion for the ridges 34.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, a collar40 is preferably positioned about the end of the handle 30 forseparating the handle 30 from the engaging member 20. The collar 40 ispreferably tapered inwardly from the handle 30 toward the engagingmember 20. The collar 40 may be either integral within the handle 30 andengaging member 20 or attached thereto by a conventional attachingmeans.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the engaging member20 is an elongate structure extending from the distal portion of theengaging member 20. The engaging member 20 has a width similar to thewidth of the handle 30 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The engagingmember 20 and the handle 30 preferably have a circular cross sectionalshape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 through 7 of the drawings, the distal portionof the engaging member 20 has an interior cavity 22 within that issealed with a cap member 24. The interior cavity 22 defines a volume andis less than ⅓ of the length of the entire engaging member 20. Theinterior cavity 22 is partially filled with a weight 50 preferablycomprised of a particular material such as lead. The particulatematerial for the weight 50 may be comprised of other materials such assteel, copper and the like.

[0038] The particulate material is preferably spherical in shape tofacilitate smooth and easy movement of the material within the interiorcavity 22 during usage. The cap member 24 is sealed within the distalend of the engaging member 20 for retaining the particulate weight 50within. The weight 50 provides an increased “sweet spot” when engaging asubject or an object. In addition, the weight 50 reduces the bouncing ofthe end of the engaging member 20 from the subject or object afterengagement.

[0039] In use, the user grasps the handle 30 prior to swinging the batonsystem 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. When the user swingsthe baton system 10 towards an object or subject, the particulate weight50 within the interior cavity 22 is shifted toward the distal end of theengaging member 20 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. After engagingthe subject or object with the end of the engaging member 20, theparticulate material of the weight 50 is repositioned within theinterior cavity 22 toward the point of impact thereby reducing thebounce affect and maintaining an increased contact time with the subjector object. The user thereafter repositions the baton system 10 into thestrike position as shown in FIG. 5 for usage again if necessary.

[0040] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operationof the present invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

[0041] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realizedthat the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to bewithin the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalentstructural variations and relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

[0042] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention. Index of Elements for Baton System □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 10.Baton System □ 11. □ 12. □ 13. □ 14. □ 15. □ 16. □ 17. □ 18. □ 19. □ 20.Engaging Member □ 21. □ 22. Interior Cavity □ 23. □ 24. Cap Member □ 25.□ 26. □ 27. □ 28. □ 29. □ 30. Handle □ 31. □ 32. Grooves □ 33. □ 34.Ridges □ 35. □ 36. End Portion □ 37. □ 38. □ 39. □ 40. Collar □ 41. □42. □ 43. □ 44. □ 45. □ 46. □ 47. □ 48. □ 49. □ 50. Weight □ 51. □ 52. □53. □ 54. □ 55. □ 56. □ 57. □ 58. □ 59. □ 60. □ 61. □ 62. □ 63. □ 64. □65. □ 66. □ 67. □ 68. □ 69. □ 70. □ 71. □ 72. □ 73. □ 74. □ 75. □ 76. □77. □ 78. □ 79.

I claim:
 1. A baton system, comprising: an elongate shaft having ahandle and an engaging member, wherein said engaging member includes aninterior cavity within a distal portion thereof; and a weight movablypositioned within said interior cavity.
 2. The baton system of claim 1,wherein said weight is comprised of a particulate material.
 3. The batonsystem of claim 2, wherein said particulate material is comprised of alead material.
 4. The baton system of claim 3, wherein said leadmaterial is comprised of a plurality of spherical lead particles.
 5. Thebaton system of claim 4, wherein said lead material comprises at least80 percent of a volume of said interior cavity.
 6. The baton system ofclaim 4, wherein said lead material comprises at least 90 percent of avolume of said interior cavity.
 7. The baton system of claim 5, whereinsaid interior cavity is exposed through an opening within a distal endof said engaging member and including a cap member secured within saidopening for retaining said lead material within said interior cavity. 8.The baton system of claim 1, wherein said interior cavity comprises lessthan 33 percent of the length of said engaging member.
 9. The batonsystem of claim 1, wherein said elongate shaft is constructed of a nylonmaterial.
 10. The baton system of claim 1, wherein said nylon materialis comprised of nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide.
 11. A batonsystem, comprising: an elongate shaft having a handle and an engagingmember, wherein said engaging member includes an interior cavity withina distal portion thereof and wherein said elongate shaft is constructedof nylon; a collar attached to said elongate shaft about the transitionfrom said handle to said elongate member; a plurality of radial grooveswithin said handle forming a plurality of radial ridges within saidhandle; and a weight movably positioned within said interior cavity. 12.The baton system of claim 11, wherein said weight is comprised of aparticulate material.
 13. The baton system of claim 12, wherein saidparticulate material is comprised of a lead material.
 14. The batonsystem of claim 13, wherein said lead material is comprised of aplurality of spherical lead particles.
 15. The baton system of claim 14,wherein said lead material comprises at least 90 percent of a volume ofsaid interior cavity.
 16. The baton system of claim 14, wherein saidplurality of grooves have a semi-circular cross sectional shape andwherein said plurality of ridges have a flat outer perimeter that isorthogonal to an upper portion of said plurality of grooves.
 17. Thebaton system of claim 15, wherein said interior cavity is exposedthrough an opening within a distal end of said engaging member andincluding a cap member secured within said opening for retaining saidlead material within said interior cavity.
 18. The baton system of claim11, wherein said interior cavity comprises less than 33 percent of thelength of said engaging member.
 19. A method of manufacturing a baton,comprising the steps of: (a) providing a length of nylon shaft having afirst end and a second end; (b) boring an interior cavity within saidsecond end; (c) inserting a volume of particulate lead material withinsaid interior cavity; and (d) securing a cap member within said secondend for enclosing said interior cavity.
 20. The method of manufacturinga baton of claim 19, further comprising the step of: (e) turning aplurality of radial grooves within said nylon shaft adjacent said firstend.